Journal 9: Science + Technoloy = Creativity (and Fun!)

Citation:
Mader, Jared (2009). Science + Technology = Creativity (and Fun!). Learning and Leading with Technology, 1, Retrieved 08/07/2009, from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=August_No_1_2&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4363&ContentID=23906&DirectListComboInd=D

Summary:
This article talks about how to use different technology tools to help make students think outside of the box in a science class. It lays out a 3 step process to accomplish this. First of all, a teacher must give students the tools, such as a digital camera, mircrophones, probeware, and camcorders. Allowing students to use these different tools will allow them to become more familiar with them and eventually be able to choose the appropriate tools for the appropriate tasks. Secondly, the teacher must give students time. This means that students must be given a sufficient amount of time to use the tools and become familiar with their capabilities and shortcomings. Finally, teachers must be vague about the final result. This means that the teacher must describe what the content of the assignment should be, but not how it should be accomplished. This gives students the freedom to think creatively and tailor the assignment to their own personal ways of learning.

Would this be an effective tool in the classroom?
This would be extremely effective in a classroom setting. It makes the subject more interesting and allows the students to have fun in accomplishing the assignment. It would break up the usual monotony of a class and make it an enjoyable experience for all.

Can this be applied to other subjects besides science?
This can easily be applied to all subjects. It would allow students to use their creativity in all subjects and assignments. This would be beneficial because it would allow learning to become more personal for each person, and therefore result in the students having a stronger grasp on the subject matter.

Journal 8: Choosing the Perfect Tools for One to One

Citation: Bouterse, Brian (2009/08). Choosing the Perfect Tools for One-to-One. Learning and Leading with Technology, 1, Retrieved 08/07/2009, from
http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/Current_Issue/L_L_August.htm

Summary:
This article talks about the need to choose the correct computing device to meet the demands of teachers and students. It tells of the considerations one must make in choosing the appropriate hardware to use in a classroom setting. These considerations are related to purpose, operating system(OS),applications, content, peripheral equipment, and robustness (durability). All of these considerations take into account the way the device is to be used, and the amount of people that will be using it. Using these 6 considerations, the author of the article then assesses 7 common tools in a classroom and compares them against each other. The author then states that to judge the overall cost of a device one must not look at the initial price, but to the total cost of ownership. This simply means to look at the overall value the device can bring to a classroom, rather than the initial price tag itself.

Is it really necessary for schools to judge devices on the criteria stated in the article?
Yes!. These criteria help to judge the value a device may bring to the teacher and also to the students. It helps to gauge what the total effectiveness of a device may be to a classroom, in terms of access, durability, software, peripherals, etc.

Is a one to one learning initiative feasible for all schools?
Obviously not. This is due to the difference in funding for each district and school. But, this is something that all schools should strive to enact. It will benefit all students in learning subject matter, and having experience with different tools and technology that they will use throughout their lives.

TimeRime NETS-T (III, V)

This wiki was created using WetPaint, which allows you to create wikis on various education technology tools. On my page, I chose to discuss the online tool, TimeRime. This is a tool that allows you to create custom time lines. I have an example of a time line I created about the history of CSU San Marcos.

Blog in a blog

Inspiration NETS-T(I, II, III, IV, V)

A diagram created using Inspiration 8 Software. It was created to show the NETS for Teachers and the different projects I have done that demonstrate my understanding of them.

Fair Use Harbor NETS-T (IV,V)

An assignment dealing with Copyrights and Fair Use for educational purposes. Written collaboratively through Google docs with two other students. Information was gathered from the website, http://www.stfrancis.edu/content/cid/copyrightbay/fairuse.htm

Fair Use Harbor

Journal 7: Beyond Social Networking

Citation: Reynard, R. (2009, July 15). Beyond Social Networking: Building Toward Learning Communities. Retrieved July 30, 2009, from http://thejournal.com/Articles/2009/07/15/Beyond-Social-Networking-Building-Toward-Learning-Communities.asp

Summary:
This article talks about how to incorporate social networking sites, like Facebook, into an educational setting. These type of sites are an opportunity for members of the same class to discuss ideas, share interests, interact with each other, collaborate and share knowledge. It is a useful tool to teach students how to multitask, use multiple tools, to take a broad subject and focus it down, and it also enables a teacher to continue to engage students in all manners of learning. It also can create a sense of community learning, where a student can broadcast his or her ideas and feel that they are making a valuable contribution to society as a whole. Using social networking sites also enable students to develop valuable technological skills early in life. These sites encourage students to develop skills, knowledge, ethics, and confidence needed to be valuable and contributing members of society.

How should teachers interact with students on these sites?
Teachers definitely cannot appear to be friends with their students on these sites. They can be friendly, but they must still maintain an air of authority and professionalism. Also, students may not feel comfortable with letting their teachers into their social space. This means that students may feel that teachers are intruding on their personal time, and will not be comfortable allowing their teacher to know what their interests are. Also teachers must also protect themselves from appearing to have inappropriate relationships with their students and to prevent the spread of rumors.

How can teachers encourage participation?
Teachers can make the class groups a mandatory activity, graded for participation. They can require that students log in once a day to answer questions, post comments, or to just interact with each other. This will create a sense of community in the classroom, where students can interact with each other outside of a classroom setting.

Excel Crossword NETS-T (I, III)

A history crossword I created using Microsoft Excel.

History Cross BPM
History Cross BPM Sheet2

iMovie NETS T (I, III)

A Public Service Announcement about CSU San Marcos I created using the iMovie software package. Using that software, I was able to learn the editing tools needed to create a film. I learned how to incorporate and edit film clips, still frames, music, transitions, and effects.

PowerPoint NETS-T (I, III)

This is a Power Point Presentation I created to demonstrate the ISTE NETS for Students

Presentation1

View more presentations from brian106.

Newsletter NETS-T (I, III)

This is a digital newsletter I created for a junior high social studies class using Microsoft Word.

NewsletterBPM

Journal 6: Don't Feed the Trolls

Citation:
Richardson, K. W. (2008, May). Don’t feed the trolls. Learning & Leading with Technology, 35, Retrieved July 27, 2009, from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfmSection=May_No_7_&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=3972&ContentID=20817&DirectListComboInd=D

Summary:
This article talks about how to educate students about the proper way to interact on the internet. This means that it shows students the correct ways to act civilly in a blog, message board, forum, etc... Since the internet has become such an important tool for students and educators alike, it has become more and more important to educate everyone on the correct way to interact with others through those mediums.This is broken down into reviewing rules of interaction and then putting those rules into practice. Also, students must be taught that they should be aware of what they post and to review and reflect upon them to see if they are appropriate. And finally, teachers and parents alike must effectively model those rules of social discourse and show the children the correct ways to interact online. It is ultimately the responsibility of the adults in charge to be positive role models for the students.

What is a troll? And how do you avoid one?
A troll is defined as “a person who posts rude or offensive messages on the Internet, such as in online discussion forums, to disrupt discussion or to upset its participants." These types of people dont have anything constructive to add to a conversation, they only serve to cause havoc and disruption to online communities and forums. The article says that the best way to avoid a troll is to ignore one. Anyone that posts disruptive material does so in order to get attention. Though it may be hard to ignore him, that is the best way to discourage them from interacting any more.

How can teachers educate students on effective online communication?
Teachers must show students the rules from various message boards and forums so that they can understand the types of things allowed or forbidden on the forum. Students can also take a netiquette quiz or explore the StopCyberBullying.com site in order to understand what constitutes inappropriate behavior online. Also, a teacher may have the class come up with their own rules for proper behavior online so that they can reflect as a group and decide what is appropriate or not online.

Journal 4: Internet Telephone (Telephony)

Internet Telephony is the use of computer programs and services to contact others through the use of a computer rather than a traditional telephone. Though there are many different forms of internet phone services such as Skype, Classroom 2.0 mainly dealt with the use of webcams to communicate with students and classrooms in other parts of the world and country. There are many interesting ways that a webcam can be utilized in a classroom setting. For instance, using different programs, a classroom can use a webcam to create stop motion films. These films can be created to narrate novels the class is reading, or to create fresh stories that the students made up by themselves. Another use is to contact other classrooms from different parts of the country/world and create collaborative assignments. One teacher took this idea to another level by communicating with classrooms in other countries and talking to them about current events. One class communicated with Russia during the troubles in Georgia and received a perspective outside of the United States. This is a great idea as it opens up the world for students and exposes them to things they may not ever be exposed to. It allows them to see that students from other countries are just like them, and that people are not as different from each other as they might think.

Journal 3:Assessment Made Easy

Citation: Zucker, A (2009).Assessment Made Easy. Learning and Leading with Technology, (June/July2009). 18-21.

Summary:
This article was about the Denver School for Science and Technology. This school is the first Denver Charter school to have a one to one laptop to student ratio. This ratio has enabled the school to become very successful in a very short time. The school has seen its first two graduating classes have a 100% acceptance rate into 4 year universities. The laptops have increased the capapbilities of the teachers and have also increased the learning ability of the students. It has allowed almost instantaneous feedback on assignments, tests, essays, and lab work. This has allowed the students to learn their mistakes and to show the teachers what areas the students are weak in. It has been a tremedous success, due to having "thoughtful administrators, high-quality teachers, an effective curriculum, and all the other components that make a school excellent."

Is this a feasible option for many school?
Unfortunately, this was an option for this school due to a generous donation from Hewlett Packard, who donated $1 million to the school. However, due to the success of this school, it should be something that many school districts try to do. It will only be beneficial for all involved to have more hands on experience with technology. I know that this type of program happening across the country is very unlikely. But it should be something that all districts strive to bring about in the next few years.

Does a laptop for each student automatically mean that that student will be successful?
Obviously not. The laptop is a tool that will enhance the learning capability of the students. It is still reliant on the ability of the student to learn, and the students' hunger for knowledge. If the student just isnt interested in school, then no matter how many tools are at his/her disposal, that student will not be successful. Also, the quality of the teacher will play a big part in this type of program. If the teacher is not up to the task, then the students will have no advantage in this type of program.

Journal 2: How Teenagers Consume Media

Citation:
Robson, M (2009, July 13). How Teenagers Consume Media: the Study that Shook the City. Retrieved July 19, 2009, from Gardian.co.uk Web site: http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/jul/13/teenage-media-habits-morgan-stanley

Summary:
This article, written by a 15 year old, talks about the various types of media out there, and amount that teenagers will use it. It covers everything from television to radio to internet to billboards. It talks about the popularity of various forms of media and the reasons why they are popular, or not, with teenagers. The overwhelming factor of popularity appears to be cost. The article is saying that the cheaper the forms cost, the more likely they will be used. Even going so far as to say that teenagers will be more apt to use illegal avenues of entertainment (ie illegal downloads, pirated movies, etc...) than they would legal, pay forms.

What are some ways to incorporate free forms of media in the classroom?

After taking Education 422, it has opened my eyes to the variety of free programs out there that can have applications in the classroom. Programs such as google docs can have wide ranging applications for group work, rough drafts of work, etc... Also, online exhibits at various museums can be an important medium for explaining lessons or exploring subjects.

What does this article tell me about teens media use?

This article, though released by a reputable company and published by a legitimate media, should be taken with a grain of salt. This means that the author does not cite any concrete numbers, and it appears that he compiled his results through informal polls or observations. But it does tell me that teens do use many different types of media, and they must be taught hpw tp use them responsibly. Illegal downloads, or pirated movies are wrong, even if they dont get caught. They must realize that they must still act as if they were doing things in a traditional face to face manner.

Social Bookmarking NETS-T (I, III, IV, V)

National Archives:

I looked at the exihibit, A People at War. It was a very interesting exhibit that dealt with the United States during War II. It showed many pictures, letters, and descriptions from many important events during the war. I can see how using a resource such as this can be very beneficial for students. It shows first hand accounts of many historic events during this war, and would provide a fantastic resource for students writing reports or who are just interested in learning more.

NEA:

There are many student groups that are facing achievement gaps. Some of these are racial and ethnic minorities, English Language Learners, sudents with disabilites, boys/girls, and students from low income families.

1) Engage school staff in discussions and activities that offer an opportunity to explore attitudes, beliefs, and values related to cultural diversity and cultural competence.

-I chose this area because I feel that the best way to learn is to talk about and discuss those issues. One can learn a lot just by talking and listening to what others have to say.

2) Build and use a network of "natural helpers" at school and in the community as well as "experts" who have knowledge of the culturally, linguistically, racially, and ethnically diverse groups served by your school.
-This is a great way to be exposed to other cultures. It goes hand in hand with the first area that I chose. It is easier to learn about other cultures by listening and talking with members of those groups. Being able to use the resources available to you, students, parents, other faculty members, makes it easier to learn and appreciate what those groups have to offer.

3) Network with other schools that are developing and implementing culturally competent systems. Adapt the processes and information that are consistent with your school's needs and interests.
- I picked this one because being able to network with others is a great way to be exposed to different lines of thought and ideas. It is a great way to see what your shortcomings are and also what your strengths are as well.

Stop Cyber Bullying:

I took the quiz and I ended up as Cyber Risky. I learned a lot from taking the quiz as I realized what constitutes cyber bullying, and the things I used to do that were risky or rude. I never realized how easy it is to fall into the category of being a cyber bully. I can imagine how many kids today do things that they think is funny, but in reality are harmful or mean to others.

Before looking at this site, I had never heard of the Teenangels. I think that this group would be very beneficial to students and parents as it would show them how to be responsible on the internet and how to be safe. I like how the advanced training they have enables them to predict and identify new risks as they come about.

Kathy Schrock:

Subject Access: I chose to look at History and Social Studies. In this area, I chose to look at Eyewitness to History. I think that this site could be really useful in teaching history. It would help to make the information more real for the students because it would enable them to see the information from the perspective of someone that was there, and not just what they would see in a book.

Teacher Helpers: I chose to look at Kathy Schrock's blog. I found a lot of interesting information there as well as numerous sites to look at. It is interesting to see what she finds interesting and to look at the topics that interest her.

Multiple Intelligences:

Verbal-Linguistic = 75%

Logical-Mathematical = 69%

Bodily-Kinesthetic = 67%

Video:

I watched the video, Kids and Adults Design New Tech Tools. I learned how kids have great ideas in designing technological tools for other kids to use. They are able to streamline things and make them much easier to use. Its interesting how many large corporations use this group to help them design new tools or to create better websites.

Teaching Tolerance:

Grade: Middle Grades

Subject: Social Studies

Topic: Social Activism and Change

The lesson I chose was "Our Faith Seems to Be Vindicated." This lesson plan has to do with the legacy of Rosa Parks and the role Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. played. The lesson basically says to hand out to the class a copy of Dr. King's statement and to discuss it with them. The students are to choose a topic they feel strongly about and to write a paragragh about it using persuasive language. I would use this lesson plan to have the students learn about the struggles of the Civil Rights Movement and to reflect upon something that they feel strongly about. They are to attempt to persuade their fellow students to see their point of view and to change their minds about it.

Equity Awareness Quiz:

I found it interesting to find that the United States and the United Kingdom, two of the most advanced and wealthiest of countries have the lowest scores for the treatment of children. This is shocking, as they are lower than countries that historically treat daughters poorly and generally dont have great reputations for treatment of citizens.

Another question that I found interesting was concerning the possession amount of the different types of cocaine needed in order to be convicted to a 5 year prison sentence. It is shocking that powder and crack cocaine contain roughly the same amount of the drug per gram, but the conviction amount of powder cocaine, used by the wealthy, is so much higher than that of crack cocaine, which is used by the poor. It shows how things are skewed to favor the wealthy.

Netiquette:

90% on the Netiquette quiz.
Students should be taught the proper Netiquette before they are allowed to use the internet for many reasons. First of all, it will teach them the proper way to interact and participate in conversations and forums. It will also show them that you still need to be courteous even though you do not have any face to face interactions. It will create people that are able to be a part of various groups in different areas, regions, interests, etc... 8-D

Journal 1: Do Teachers Need a Personal Trainer?

Citation:
Owens, Aileen M (June/July 2009). Do your teachers need a personal trainer? Learning & Leading with Technology, Retrieved 07-13-09, from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/Current_Issue/L_L_June_July.htm

Summary:
This article talks about the difficulties faced by school districts in learning how to integrate technology into the classrooms. It shows how traditional ways of instructing teachers in the use of computers, though highly effective, was too time consuming, too labor intensive, and was too difficult to maintain with a school or district worth of teachers. The innovative solution to this problem was the creation of a program called the Student Internship Program for Instructional Technology. This program used student teachers that were already proficient in the use of technology in education and matched them with teachers who were lacking in those skills. The program, so far, has been a success for both teachers and interns. The teachers were able to get the help and instruction they needed, and the interns were able to get hands on teaching experience and also valuable material to include in their portfolios.

Why is this type of program necessary?
This program is necessary as the use of technology has increased and become a major component of education. It is necessary to ensure that teachers are able to fully understand the use of technology and are able to implement it in their lesson plans. This ensures that the children of tomorrow are exposed to the types of technology and resources available to them and are able to use them successfully.

Is this a program that many teachers would participate in?
I feel that this type of program would be very beneficial to all teachers, regardless of their level of proficiency in educational technology tools. It would serve as a vital tool in helping those teachers that are lacking in technology skills, and it would also act a refresher course for those that are already proficient. There are many new tools being developed daily, and it would be useful to have someone show you how to use them. I believe most, if not all, teachers would participate in this type of program.

Everything about me

My name is Brian Mariano. I grew up in San Jose. From k-8 grade I went to private, catholic schools. I went to high school at an all boys catholic school called Bellarmine College Preparatory. It was a great school, run by the Jesuits, and helped to shape me into the man I am today. For college, I went to UCR. I did that partly to get away from home and have some independence, and partly because I didnt know any better. I started off as a business major, but halfway through the pre-reqs, I realized that I dont like math and accounting. From there I switched to history, which I loved. While I was in college, my family moved to a town outside of Sacramento called Elk Grove. Its an ok place, but I have a hard time considering it home. I worked for a few years after graduation in Orange County in the mortgage field. After the whole industry blew up, I got laid off and moved back home to figure out what I wanted to do with my life.

Technology wise, I think I am ok. Not too good, but not totally deficient either. I started off learning how to use a computer with an old Macintosh that my family bought. It was a great computer to learn on. Easy to use. But I didnt like how there was not a whole lot of support for it at the time. Afterwards, I moved on to PCs, and have been on it since. I use the computer everyday. Though I dont do anything too complicated. Its mostly checking email, messing around with my Facebook or my fantasy sports teams, or just random web surfing.

Honestly, I never even looked at the mission statement when I applied to San Marcos. But looking at it now, I like how it makes an emphasis on diversity and equity and social justice. I applied here because I knew that I wanted to come back south. I also figured that its about time for me to get myself in gear and get serious about my future.